Sustainability

Throughout the last few decades, governments across the world have expressed concern over excess plastic entering landfills and waterways. Now, as recycling struggles to maintain a profitable market, American states are expressing their own anxiety over recycled material ending up in regular trash.

Fearing links to human health problems and harm to the environment, state lawmakers are increasingly seeking to restrict the use and/or presence of PFAS in consumer products and packaging, whether intentionally added or not.

As state lawmakers continue to explore expanded responsibility for producers of products, a policy known as extended producer responsibility (EPR), it is likely manufacturer funded drug take-back laws will continue to be probed throughout the country.

In recent years, several states have taken proactive steps to address plastic pollution and promote sustainability by implementing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content mandates for packaging. These laws require manufacturers to incorporate a minimum percentage of recycled materials in their packaging products.

In recent years, policies in European countries have been a growing source of inspiration for similar laws passed in individual U.S. states. States have progressively looked to Europe for policy guidance on matters like making producers responsible for packaging waste, pharmaceutical drug disposal, chemical restrictions, and more.

In this episode, we shed light on the critical importance of state-level politics in the consumer healthcare industry. Discover how state actions can influence policies, innovate solutions, and even pave the way for federal decisions. Gain insights into the value of collaboration among CHPA members to advocate for the industry's interests at the state level. All this, and more, on today's episode of CHPA Chat.